Hay day of summer at Strand

Aug 01, 2017

Colin Hay

Rockland — Colin Hay, former front man, principal songwriter and lead vocalist of Men At Work, will appear Thursday, Aug. 17, at 7:30 p.m. at the Strand Theatre, 345 Main St.

The acclaimed singer/songwriter has released 13 solo albums and is beloved for his intimate, confessional live shows. The range of artists who cite him as a muse or who have appeared on stage with him spans genres from heavy metal to Americana to Cuban rhythms and more.

The past 10 years have found Hay re-introducing himself to a new generation of fans. The frequent use of his music in TV and film — including hit shows such as “Scrubs” (on which he has made several cameo appearances) and “Army Wives”; the hit soundtrack to the film “Garden State” and the recently released “Morning Glory” — has proven the timeless appeal of his songs — quizzical, curious, cynical yet open-hearted.

Hay's new album “Fierce Mercy,” released in March, explores themes of love and loss, mortality and even the odd UFO sighting, but always with the singular perspective and insightful wit that define Hay’s work.

Last year was something of a breakout for this career artist, including a three-week run at the Edinburgh Fringe; performances on “The Tonight Show With Jimmy Fallon,” “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” and ABC’s “Greatest Hits”; sharing the stage with Of Monsters and Men, Milk Carton Kids, Choir Choir Choir! and Kings of Leon; being publicly cited as an influence by artists as distinct as James Hetfield of Metallica, Jeremiah Fraites of The Lumineers, Troy Sanders of Mastodon and The Infamous Stringdusters; and the completion of a documentary film about his career, named for one of his best known solo recordings: “Waiting for My Real Life.”

Tickets are $40 in advance and will be $45 at the door, general admission. The Strand lobby and balcony bars are open for those age 21 and older. To buy tickets, or for more information about all upcoming Strand offerings, visit rocklandstrand.com; call 594-0070, ext. 3; or email info@rocklandstrand.com.